Hi. I'm back. And this the fourth chapter.

It nearly Christmas and there's two more students got petrified, both from Gryffindor House. The security had been improved that's what the Headmaster said. For me, its more trouble. The curfew time now is 9 p.m not like before 11 p.m. I know 2 hours less is not a problem for some other students but for me its frustrating. I love to wander in the castle during the night when no one is there going to interrupt. It gives me some sort of peace.

The worst for me is I got some extra security. Of course its from my best friend Alphard Black. What was he thinking? Everywhere I go he's going to follow me like I was his other half. It was tiring. Alphie is great yes. But sometimes I need some of the quality time for myself. And I want to meet someone accidently like before. I want to meet Tom Riddle accidently like before.

I don't know why I feel like I have to ask him what happened during the night when he walked me to my dormitary. There's something he knows. He was waiting for something to happen. I could sense it. He does not start the conversation like he always did. And when the girl screamed he doesn't look surprised, instead he ran to the hall with an eager expression.

And his face as he he looked at me when Alphie hold my arm was troubling me. It was like he was mad at Alphie. His gaze when he looked at Alphie like he could burn him. I was thinking why would he do that. Why does he gave his attention towards me? They are many girls that willing to give everyhing in order to be Tom's friend. I didn't say girlfriend because he's not thinking about I too, hasn't he?

"Bella. I'm sorry" Alphard Black said, interrupting me from my thoughts, while holding a letter. He gave me the letter and asked me to read while he made his sweet apolegetic face.

Dear my son Alphard,

Your brother Cygnus told me about the attack that was going on in Hogwarts. It was quite horrible as three students had been attacked in almost a month.

As much as you brought a disgrace to our family, your mother asked me to request you home for Christmas. You are ordered my son. Cygnus will make sure you'll ride the train. I want the best of you and the best you could give me right now is follow your mother request.

Father.

A letter from home? That's weird. Aphie never got any letter since he had been sorted into Ravenclaw. Black family cannot accept that but well, it'll happen anyway. Alphard is very smart. He could be considered as a master in Tranfiguration, his well expert subject.

His brother Cygnus is currently in seventh year. He was a Slytherin. He's almost as handsome as Alphie, but quiet brainless.

"What were you sorry for?" I asked sincerely as I don't know why he asked for forgiveness. Its not like this letter is hurting me.

"I'm sorry because I won't be here with you for the first time since our first year. And worst I can't be here to protect you while there's danger everywhere" he said while not looking at me in the eyes.

I grabbed his arm hence force him to look at me. I smiled at him. What he just said meant a lot to me. He's the first one after my father said that he would protect me from dangerous creature that crept in the darkness of the castle.

"Don't worry Alpie. I won't be alone. You're always here right?" I asked him as I put his finger at my right side shoulder. I'm hoping he'll understand what I meant.

"Yes. I'll always by your side" he said and he did something that he never did through out our friendship. He pulled me into a hug. It surprised me as I just let him hugged me while I didn't do anything.

"Thank you for your appreciation. You know what I like about you?" he asked me as he released me from his hug. He was grinning like crazy.

"What?"

"You always make me feel better of myself and bring the best part of me" he replied and walked away. Leaving me standing alone in front of the fireplace at 11 o'clock in the night.

I kept pounding his words in my head.

You always make me feel better of myself and bring the best part of me.

Is it true? Then why does my mother... better not think about that.

Almost the whole castle is gone including Alphard. I never be home for Christmas. Who will be at home anyway? No one.

There's a special feast tonight and everyone should attend. Me and Monica are the only Ravenclaw

fifth year in this dormitary. There's a lot of seventh year students are staying. Preparing for thir NEWTs. What a Ravenclaw?

"Come on Bella, you have to wear you best to go to the feast" Monica said while rummaging through my belongings in the trunk. Seriously, dress up for what. Its different with Monica, his boyfriend Leonard Delken is Gryffindor and he's staying too. So, its rational for her to look good in front of her boyfriend.

"Here try this on" she said as she hand me the forest green knee length dress I own. A gift from my aunt Jane. She gave me before the terms start. I never wear any dress before as I'm more comfortable with sweat shirt, jumper and jeans.

"Oh my god. You look pretty" Monica claimed and suddenly I was pushed onto my bed and she started doing my hair. Instead of protesting, I just let her do it.

I stood in front of the mirror and admiring Monica Malkin works. My hair is lose and it was pinned to me left side. The dress colour is gorgeous and ended up just above my knee. And after a few row of argument, Monica let me wearing a silver flats instead of a green heels she suggested earlier. I swore I'm not going to wear any heels. It hurts and I can't walk right with it.

I took a deep breath and walked to the great hall. Monica had gone to search her boyfriend. It feels different to walk the hall without my usual sneakers or the black flats I love. I was laughing inside as I imagining Alpihe face if he ever see me wearing a dress. He must be bored right now. Poor Alphie had to be stuck with his family until the school starts again.

I descended the staircase slowly and stopped in the middle of it when I noticed he stares at me.

TO BE CONTINUED...

- I guess you know who is the he.